§ The Earl of KINNOULLMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans are being made for London airports to meet the future growth of air traffic.
Lord ORAMMy Lords, the British Airports Authority are currently consulting local authorities about plans for a new passenger terminal at Heathrow. For the longer term, consultations on the Government document Airport Strategy for Great Britain are nearing completion. A Statement on future airports policy will then be made.
§ The Earl of KINNOULLMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that helpful reply. Can he say when it is estimated that, on the present forecasts, the maximum capacity of Heathrow will be reached? Secondly, assuming that the third London airport problem has not disappeared but has receded, how soon do the Government now estimate that a third London airport will be required?
Lord ORAMMy Lords, on the first point raised by the noble Earl, I cannot give an exact estimate, but it is recognised that a fourth terminal is a requirement for the near future. The question of a third London airport is of course part of the general consideration arising out of the document, and although I would not say that a new airport is entirely ruled out, it is certainly not the kind of undertaking that we can be considering in present circumstances.
§ Lord ORR-EWINGMy Lords, would the noble Lord suggest to those designing the building that it should be in a most flexible manner, because no building has yet been put up in almost any airport of the world that has not had to be changed within a few years of completion? The operational requirement changes all the time, and perhaps this could be borne in mind by those who are designing the fourth building.
Lord ORAMI am sure that it will be, my Lords. The number of organisations and individuals who have been invited to submit comments is very large indeed, and it would surprise me if they do not include a number who would have the noble Lord's point very much in mind.
§ Lord LEATHERLANDMy Lords, when the Government are considering this question will they be advised to keep their hands off Stansted, because other wise there will be a terrible row, in which I shall heartily join?
Lord ORAMI am sure that the Government will take note of that warning, my Lords. Of course the consultations are giving full opportunity for all local interests to be represented.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, I acknowledge what the noble Lord has said about terminal capacity, but can he give an indication of when the runway capacity of the main London airports, particularly Gatwick, will be absorbed?
Lord ORAMMy Lords, I recognise that that is an important question. I am not briefed to answer it. I would hope that the noble Lord might put down a Question, or perhaps we could engage in correspondence on the matter.
§ Lord NUGENT of GUILDFORDMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that, as well as the capacity of the airport and the runways, there is also the consideration of the additional employment required in order to operate the airports, and that the rapid growth of development, both at Heathrow and at Gatwick, and possibly at Stansted in the future, is causing very serious problems on the ground for the planning authorities? Will the noble Lord and his right honourable friend take this matter into account 1029 very carefully in making their plans for the future?
Lord ORAMYes, my Lords, those are most important considerations which will be raised, and I will specifically call the observations of the noble Lord to the attention of those concerned.
§ The Earl of KINNOULLMy Lords, can the noble Lord say when the rail link to Heathrow will be opened?
Lord ORAMNo, my Lords. That is actively proceeding, but I should not like to put a date on its completion.